US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is visiting Kenya as part of his Africa tour to discuss commercial engagement, counter-terrorism, and regional security. This visit is part of a broader effort by the US to strengthen economic ties and security cooperation across the continent.

• The tour for US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau commenced in Cairo, Egypt, and will conclude on February 1.

• During his visit, Landau will meet with Kenyan officials, Ethiopian leaders, and the African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

• Discussions will focus on promoting peace, expanding commercial cooperation, and responding to humanitarian crises, aligning with President Donald Trump’s goals for stronger links and security.

Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, has called for sanctions against Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This plea follows the recently concluded Ugandan general election, which saw President Yoweri Museveni secure a seventh term in office.

• Risch urged the Trump administration to reassess the US security relationship with Uganda.
• The US Senator accused the Ugandan government of contributing to instability beyond its borders and labeled Uganda an emerging ‘Exporter of Instability’.
• Risch warned that trends in Uganda and Tanzania pose alarming indicators for upcoming elections in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a strong response to the United States' decision to withdraw from the UN health agency, warning of increased global insecurity. This withdrawal follows accusations from the U.S. and affects countries like Kenya negatively.

• The WHO expressed regret over the U.S. withdrawal, stating it would make the United States and the world "less safe".
• The WHO addressed accusations regarding its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, admitting not everything was perfect but affirming actions were swift and transparent.
• The U.S., previously the largest funder, accounted for up to 20 per cent of the WHO's annual funding.
• Donald Trump's administration also withdrew funding from other UN agencies, including UN-Habitat in Nairobi and UN Women.